Sorrento, an ideal place for excursions on the Amalfi Coast

Sorrento is a wonderful town in the province of Naples that overlooks one of the most beautiful Gulfs of the Italian peninsula surrounded by a lush vegetation. The scents of the surrounding Mediterranean are immediately noticed by tourists who arrive here for the first time, and the descent of the sun into local waters will leave you in complete awe. A truly spectacular town that is also ideal as a starting point to visit the entire Amalfi Coast and discover the many well kept secrets.

Visiting Sorrento will not require a lot of time seeing that it is not a very large town, nonetheless Sorrento hosts an infinite number of events during the year perfect for everyone to participate in. Amongst the unforgettable events don’t forget to visit the many food festivals, which give you the possibility to taste exquisite local flavors, and local delicacies Sorrento is known for worldwide, but Sorrento is also famous for its theatrical performances, art exhibitions and musical events.

The excursions Sorrento is able to offer are numerous. Going farther away the Sorrentine Peninsula you can reach Naples, the immense Metropolis rich in southern Italian Culture, characteristic neighborhoods and lovely food, or take a trip to Pompeii where you’ll discover the ancient ruins buried by Mt. Vesuvius’s lava, then maybe head back to the Amalfi Coast where each town along the way will leave you shocked by their astonishing beauty, towns like Nerano, Ravello, Amalfi, and Positano. These wonderful places all have very characteristic streets and alleys filled with wonderful restaurants run by locals, offering local dishes, mainly fish based entrees with their fresh, daily catch from local fisherman.

Amalfi, and in general the entire Amalfi Coast, is a land rich in mythological stories and legends about heroes, nymphs, and mermaids.

The origins of this locality’s name are connected to the legendary Nymph ‘Amalfi’ with whom Hercules fell in love. When the Nymph passed away, Hercules decided to burry her in what he considered to be the most beautiful place on earth (the Amalfi Coast) and on her tomb he decided to build this wonderful town rendering her soul immortal, surrounded by the enchanting sea.

Historians are contrary to this legend and sustain that the Romans built Amalfi, right after Emperor Constantine’s death.

Another myth regards Punta Campanella, today a natural marine reserve, where a sanctuary dedicated to Athena was constructed to celebrate magical cults between mermaids, and other mythological creatures. Legend has it that three mermaids by the names of Leucosia, Ligea, and Partenope inhabited the local waters long ago. Ligea particularly spent most of her time by the rocks of Punta Campanella.

Mermaids were extremely dangerous for navigators because they would lure them into the deep-sea abyss with their dazing chants, and force them to loose control of their vessels. Local myths narrate how Ulysses had been the most cunning and to not fall into the mermaid’s trap, he had himself tied against his ship’s pole and had his crew put wax into his hears so he could not here the stupefying chants.

For those who prefer a more realistic view of things, Amalfi was also once an important Maritime Republic. When you’ll finally get to visit Amalfi, remember that you’re in a land filled with ancient, monuments, legends and myths that will blow your mind away!

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